Name: Pumpkin Blondies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Yield: 24 blondies
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Pumpkin Blondies Recipe: Imagine a crisp autumn day, the air filled with the scent of fallen leaves and warm spices, and you’re about to bite into a treat that perfectly encapsulates that comforting feeling. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a golden, chewy masterpiece, boasting a harmonious blend of earthy pumpkin, aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger, all nestled in a gloriously fudgy blondie base. It’s a delightful departure from the traditional chocolate brownie, offering a sunnier, spiced counterpart that captures the very essence of the harvest season.

I find myself returning to this recipe year after year, not only for its irresistible taste and texture—those coveted chewy edges giving way to a moist, soft center—but also for its remarkable versatility. While blondies themselves have a rich history as the lighter, vanilla-centric sibling to the brownie, the addition of pumpkin elevates them into a seasonal sensation. It transforms a simple bar cookie into a celebration of autumn’s bounty, making it a beloved staple for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.

Why I believe you’ll adore this Pumpkin Blondies Recipe:

Beyond its incredible flavor profile, blending the sweetness of brown sugar with the subtle earthiness of pumpkin, these blondies offer a delightful textural experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’re wonderfully simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice when you desire a show-stopping dessert without the fuss of a pie or elaborate cake. Get ready to bake a batch of pure autumn joy that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

For the Blondies:

1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300g) packed light brown sugar
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate chips all work wonderfully)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for texture)

For the Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:

4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing Your Baking Pan and Oven

Before we dive into the fun of mixing, let’s get our oven and baking pan perfectly ready. This initial step is absolutely crucial for ensuring our “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe” bakes evenly and releases beautifully from the pan. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving your oven ample time to reach and maintain the correct temperature is vital for consistent results. If you put your blondies into a cold oven, they might not rise correctly or could bake unevenly.
Next, prepare a standard 9×13 inch baking pan. I always start by lightly greasing the pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This provides a base layer of protection against sticking. Then, I line the pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the two longer sides. This parchment paper sling is truly a lifesaver! It will allow you to easily lift the entire slab of cooled blondies out of the pan, making cutting a breeze. A little trick I’ve learned: if your parchment paper isn’t staying put, you can place a tiny dab of butter or cooking spray in the corners of the pan before laying down the paper; it helps it adhere and prevents it from shifting while you’re spreading the batter. This attention to detail now will save you a lot of frustration later when it comes to cutting your perfect Pumpkin Blondies.

Crafting the Pumpkin Blondies Batter

In a large mixing bowl, using either an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, we’re going to begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter with both the packed light brown sugar and the granulated sugar. You’ll want to beat this mixture on medium-high speed for a good 2-3 minutes until it transforms into a light, fluffy, and noticeably paler consistency. This creaming process is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about incorporating tiny air pockets into the butter and sugar. These air pockets expand during baking, which in turn contributes significantly to the tender, almost cake-like texture of our delightful Pumpkin Blondies. Please, do not rush this step! It is a fundamental foundation for achieving the perfect texture in this “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe.” The difference between a rushed cream and a properly aerated one is truly noticeable in the final product.
Now, it’s time to introduce our star autumnal ingredient: the pumpkin puree. Add the full 1 cup of pumpkin puree to your beautifully creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until the pumpkin is thoroughly combined with the butter-sugar base. At this stage, you might notice the mixture looking a little bit curdled or separated due to the high moisture content of the pumpkin interacting with the fats. Please don’t be alarmed; this is completely normal and expected! Just ensure that the pumpkin is fully incorporated before moving on. The vibrant orange hue that starts to develop is simply lovely.
Next up are the eggs and vanilla, which will help bring our batter together beautifully. Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This allows each egg to be fully incorporated into the mixture, contributing to the blondies’ structure and richness. After the eggs, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla adds that warm, comforting note that truly complements the pumpkin and spices. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula at this point to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed and no pockets of unmixed ingredients remain. The mixture should now be smooth, glossy, and boast a gorgeous, uniform orange color.
While our wet ingredients are mingling, let’s prepare the dry components. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, the 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice (which will infuse our blondies with incredible fall flavor!), 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Taking the time to whisk these dry ingredients together separately is crucial because it ensures they are perfectly and evenly distributed throughout the flour. This prevents you from ending up with an uneven distribution of leavening agents or pockets of salt in your finished blondies, which could lead to an inconsistent texture or flavor. This often-overlooked step truly makes a big difference in the overall consistency and success of your “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe.”
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry elements together. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing on low speed. The key here is to mix just until combined. Be very careful not to overmix! Overmixing is a common pitfall in baking that can quickly lead to undesirable results. When you overmix flour, you overdevelop the gluten, which will make your blondies tough and chewy instead of the delightfully soft, fudgy texture we are striving for. As soon as you see no more visible streaks of dry flour, stop mixing. A few tiny lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and actually preferable to an overmixed, smooth batter.
Finally, to complete our batter, gently fold in your chosen additions. This would be the 1 cup of chocolate chips and the optional ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold them into the rich pumpkin batter until they are evenly distributed. These additions are fantastic because they introduce wonderful bursts of flavor and texture, adding another layer of deliciousness to our “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe.” Whether you choose milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate, and whether you include nuts or not, they all contribute to a truly satisfying bite.

Optional: Preparing the Cream Cheese Swirl

If you’re aiming for an extra layer of decadence and visual appeal, let’s prepare the luscious cream cheese swirl now. This adds a beautiful tangy counterpoint to the sweet pumpkin.

In a medium bowl, combine the softened 4 oz cream cheese with ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 large egg yolk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. It’s important that your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy, with absolutely no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes of dedicated mixing. The small amount of flour in this mixture serves a practical purpose: it helps to stabilize the cream cheese, preventing it from thinning out too much during the baking process and ensuring it maintains its distinct creamy texture within the blondies.

Assembling and Baking Your Pumpkin Blondies

Now, let’s get our blondies into the pan and ready for the oven. Spoon the prepared pumpkin blondie batter evenly into your previously prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Once the batter is in, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter into an even layer, making sure it reaches all corners of the pan. An even layer is important for ensuring that your blondies bake uniformly and have a consistent thickness across the entire batch.
If you’re indulging in the optional cream cheese swirl, this is the moment to add it. Dollop spoonfuls of the smooth cream cheese mixture over the top of the pumpkin blondie batter. Try to distribute the dollops somewhat evenly across the surface. Then, take a butter knife or a skewer and gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter. The goal here is to create beautiful, distinct ribbons of cream cheese, not to fully integrate it into the pumpkin batter. The contrast of the two batters swirled together is what makes this “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe” so visually appealing and incredibly delicious! Avoid over-swirling, as you want clear definitions.
Carefully place the pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 30-38 minutes. Please keep in mind that baking times can vary significantly depending on your specific oven and the material of your baking pan. To check for doneness, look for the edges to be set and lightly golden. A reliable test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies (making sure to avoid any chocolate chips or cream cheese swirls, if applicable). The toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The top of the blondies should look set, perhaps with a few charming cracks, which is perfectly normal and indicates a well-baked blondie. It’s absolutely essential not to overbake them, as this can result in dry, crumbly blondies, and we are definitely aiming for a wonderfully moist and fudgy texture with this “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe.” Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is arguably one of the most critical parts of the entire process, so please do not skip it or rush it! While the aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible, resisting the urge to cut into warm blondies is vital. Warm blondies are very delicate and will likely crumble or fall apart if you try to slice them prematurely. More importantly, cooling allows the blondies to firm up, settle their structure, and truly develop their full, rich flavor profile and fudgy texture. This process typically takes at least 2-3 hours at room temperature, or even longer if your kitchen is particularly warm. For the absolute best results and a super clean cut, I often let them cool for an hour on the counter, then transfer the pan (uncovered) to the refrigerator for another hour or two to fully chill. This ensures they are firm enough for neat slicing.
Once your blondies are completely cool and firm, use the parchment paper overhang as a convenient sling to carefully lift the entire slab of blondies out of the pan. Transfer this beautiful creation to a clean cutting board. Now, you can slice them into your desired size squares. I typically aim for about 2-inch by 2-inch squares, which usually yields about 24 delightfully satisfying Pumpkin Blondies. For neat, clean cuts, especially if you have a cream cheese swirl, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth occasionally between cuts to prevent dragging or smudging.
Congratulations! Your homemade “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe” is now complete and ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your blondies include the optional cream cheese swirl, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness and safety. An excellent tip: these blondies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy this delightful autumnal treat! These blondies are absolutely perfect for fall gatherings, a cozy evening at home with a cup of tea, or simply as a special snack to brighten your day. This “Pumpkin Blondies Recipe” is truly a crowd-pleaser and embodies the wonderful flavors of the season.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the delightful process of creating what I genuinely believe will become your new favorite autumn treat. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience, a little piece of cozy comfort that truly embodies the spirit of the season.

Why These Blondies Are an Absolute Must-Try

What makes this particular Pumpkin Blondies Recipe stand head and shoulders above the rest? For starters, it’s the incredible balance of flavors. We’re talking about that quintessential pumpkin spice warmth, perfectly mellowed by the rich, buttery sweetness that only a blondie can deliver. Unlike many pumpkin desserts that can sometimes be overwhelmingly spiced or too dense, these blondies strike a harmonious chord. Each bite offers a tender, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, infused with just the right amount of pumpkin puree to keep them moist and flavorful without making them cakey. They possess that delightful crisp edge and a wonderfully soft, gooey center – the hallmarks of a truly exceptional blondie. The subtle notes of brown sugar caramelize beautifully during baking, contributing to a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. This recipe is also surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary adventures. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special, yet is incredibly approachable to make at home, offering a perfect blend of autumnal nostalgia and modern baking delight. The aroma alone as they bake is enough to make your entire home feel like a warm, inviting haven, promising a treat that delivers on every sensory level. It’s truly a celebration of fall flavors in the most delightful, chewy form imaginable. You’ll find yourself reaching for another one before you even finish the first!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Now that you’ve got a batch of these glorious blondies, let’s talk about how to truly elevate your experience. While they are absolutely divine on their own, fresh from the oven, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy them. Imagine a warm blondie, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold cream to melt slightly into the warm, spiced treat – pure bliss! A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans can add another layer of texture and sweetness, making for an even more indulgent dessert. For a more sophisticated touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of maple syrup or cinnamon, would be heavenly. Don’t shy away from serving them with a hot cup of coffee, a steaming mug of chai latte, or a classic apple cider; these beverages perfectly complement the rich, spiced flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider folding in a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the batter next time you make the Pumpkin Blondies Recipe to add a different textural dynamic. A cream cheese frosting, lightly spiced with cinnamon, could also transform them into an even richer, cake-like treat. For a truly autumnal twist, try sprinkling a little flaky sea salt over the top before baking to enhance all those lovely sweet and savory notes. These blondies are incredibly versatile, ready to be enjoyed as a comforting snack, a delightful dessert, or even a decadent breakfast pastry with your morning brew. They are fantastic for bake sales, potlucks, or simply as a well-deserved treat after a long day.

Your Turn to Bake and Share!

I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired to roll up your sleeves and give this incredible recipe a try. There’s an immense satisfaction that comes from baking something so delicious from scratch, and I promise you, these blondies will not disappoint. They are the perfect embodiment of fall comfort, delivering warmth, spice, and sweetness in every chewy bite. So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and treat yourself, your family, and your friends to this magnificent dessert. Once you’ve pulled your golden-brown batch from the oven and savored that first delightful bite, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to share your experiences, your successes, and any creative twists you added in the comments below. Did you top them with something unique? Did you serve them at a gathering? Your feedback and shared stories are what truly make this community vibrant and helpful. Seeing your creations and hearing about your culinary adventures brings me so much joy. Happy baking, everyone! I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious journey with these amazing blondies!